Berkshire Elementary School

West Palm Beach, Florida

FIRM

CLIENT

School District of Palm Beach County

AREA

148,000 sq.ft.

TOTAL COST

$23,100,000.00

COMPLETION DATE

4/2007

Berkshire Elementary is the largest elementary school in Palm Beach County—on one of the smallest sites. By pushing the 148,000 square feet of educational spaces to the perimeter of the site, the architect created the necessary civic presence along the public face of the building and a centralized administrative presence at the corner of the school.

The library, ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCOST PER SQ FT$156.00FEATURED IN2008 Educational InteriorsINTERIOR CATEGORYLibraries/Media Centers on the floor above the administrative area, offers a bridge to the community during the evening, still keeping the educational spaces secured. The media center is a colorful and vibrant setting that reflects the Hispanic heritage of the student population. Natural light in these voluminous spaces provides an active environment that allows for private reading, computer learning and group activities simultaneously.

The design team documented the rich and expressive murals that adorned the original school buildings, and some of the imagery came to life three-dimensionally in reading

areas for children. Walls have been designated for future murals within the media center.

The unique solution embodies the children’s needs, while promoting cultural appreciation for students and the community.